Amanda: What specific colors of eyeshadow and lipstick would you recommend for all women to have?

NJ: I am going to fall back on the words of the great Coco Chanel for this one, “The best color in the whole world, is the one that looks good, on you!”

I would love to be specific but because I cannot see you, I will have to answer your question in a more general way. A woman’s undertones, overtones, discolorations, structure, hair, eye color and the hue of her lips, are all factors that must be considered when determining the perfect shades. My specific recommendations would vary from woman to woman. That being said, here are my thoughts on colors every woman should own.

I think everyone needs a beautiful champagne colored eye shadow. With a perfect blend of warm and cool, its neutrality makes it perfect for all skin tones. Use it as an all over eye shadow to brighten and lift the eye area. Use it under the brow and cheekbones as a highlighter for accent, lift and pop. Put a light splash on the forehead, down the bridge of the nose on the upper lip and chin for that added glow. A favorite of mine is Champagne by Three Custom Color Specialists (www.threecustom.com).

As for the lips, no color wardrobe is complete without a red. Red is classic and elegant. It says this woman is strong. She is not afraid to be seen. She has taste. But, because they are bold, many ladies shy away from them. Remember this, reds are tried and true for a reason. Even if you won’t wear it often, have one. If your complexion is cool, go with a blue-red. If your complexion is warm, choose an orange-red.

Tip: Don’t know if you are warm or cool? Read on and you soon will.

You are most likely cool if …1) you have a pink or bluish cast to your skin (especially in cold weather). 2) You have more blue than green veins on your inner wrist. 3) You burn easily or turn pink/red in the sun. You are most likely warm if…1) You have a yellow or greenish cast or chocolate toned skin. 2) You have more green veins than blue on your inner wrist. 3) You tan easily in the sun. If you are lucky enough to be neutral, the world is your oyster!

Susan: I'm an aspiring makeup artist, and while I do get jobs around town. How do I grow and make a name for myself?

My advice to you is this…Train or apprentice. It is very important that you have a full battery of make up knowledge. If you are well trained, your work will speak for itself and you will not disappoint your clients.

Be kind and genuine. People re-hire and refer people they like.

Always listen. Doing make-up is a very personal thing. You will rarely be as close to someone’s face as you are putting make up on them. People will tell you the funniest and most personal things. Just listen.

If your client asks for something that is not appropriate or not flattering for them, guide them gently toward something that will be.

And as for making a name, you will grow fast in any market, if you do your job well, do it with a smile and let each person you work on know that you care. As a good friend of mine says, you can change someone’s life with the stroke of a brush. If you heart is in it, my friend, you will succeed.

I love your questions and comments, please keep them coming.